Plumbing Systems for Architects: Types, Performance, and Applications

Question 1

The primary purpose of a soil and waste stack is to:

Accepted Answer

Convey waste liquids to the sewer

Answer

Provide ventilation to the drainage system

Answer

Control the temperature of waste liquids

Answer

Filter out solids from waste liquids

Question 2

Which type of trap is most effective in preventing sewer gases from entering a building, due to its ability to retain water?

Accepted Answer

P-trap

Answer

S-trap

Answer

Bell trap

Answer

Drum trap

Question 3

Which type of plumbing fixture is typically used for drinking water and hand washing?

Accepted Answer

Lavatory

Answer

Toilet

Answer

Bathtub

Answer

Kitchen sink

Question 4

Which of the following factors is NOT a design consideration when selecting the appropriate plumbing system for a building?

Accepted Answer

Architect's personal style preference

Answer

Type of building and its occupancy

Answer

Number of occupants and their water consumption patterns

Answer

Compliance with relevant local building codes and regulations

Question 5

What is the primary function of a cold water supply system in a building?

Accepted Answer

To supply clean, potable water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes

Answer

To remove wastewater and sewage from the building

Answer

To provide fire protection and sprinkler systems

Answer

To regulate indoor air temperature and humidity

Question 6

Which type of piping material is commonly used for underground drainage systems due to its durability and resistance to corrosion?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron

Answer

Copper

Answer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Answer

Galvanized steel

Question 7

What is the purpose of a trap in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To prevent foul odours and sewer gases from entering the building

Answer

To control the flow rate and pressure of water in the system

Answer

To store a reserve of water for emergency use

Answer

To separate solids from liquids in wastewater

Question 8

Which of the following is a characteristic of a direct water heating system?

Accepted Answer

Water is heated directly by a combustion flame or electric element

Answer

Water is heated indirectly through a heat exchanger

Answer

Water is stored in a tank and heated gradually over time

Answer

Water is heated by solar energy or geothermal sources

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To reduce water pressure to a safe level for fixtures to prevent damage

Answer

To increase water pressure to ensure adequate flow rate throughout the system

Answer

To prevent water leaks and bursts in the system

Answer

To control water temperature in the system

Question 10

In the selection of a plumbing system for a multi-story residential building, which factor generally has the least influence?

Accepted Answer

Building orientation

Answer

Building height

Answer

Occupant count

Answer

Local building codes

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical domestic plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

Lighting

Answer

Water supply

Answer

Drain and waste

Answer

Gas supply

Question 12

What is the main purpose of a cold water storage cistern?

Accepted Answer

To store cold water for later use.

Answer

To regulate water pressure.

Answer

To remove sediment from water.

Answer

To protect the water heater from damage.

Question 13

Which type of pipe material is commonly used for soil and waste drainage?

Accepted Answer

PVC

Answer

Copper

Answer

Cast iron

Answer

Stainless steel

Question 14

What is the primary function of a grease trap?

Accepted Answer

To remove fats, oils, and grease from wastewater.

Answer

To prevent odours from escaping into the building.

Answer

To regulate water flow.

Answer

To filter out impurities.

Question 15

What is the fundamental difference between a sanitary drain and a stormwater drain?

Accepted Answer

Sanitary drains carry wastewater from fixtures, while stormwater drains collect rainwater.

Answer

Stormwater drains carry wastewater from fixtures, while sanitary drains collect rainwater.

Answer

There is no difference between sanitary drains and stormwater drains.

Answer

Sanitary drains are larger in diameter than stormwater drains.

Question 16

What is the recommended minimum slope for a soil and waste pipe?

Accepted Answer

1:40

Answer

1:50

Answer

1:60

Answer

1:70

Question 17

What is the purpose of a backflow preventer?

Accepted Answer

To prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction

Answer

To regulate water pressure

Answer

To remove impurities from water

Answer

To provide a constant flow of water

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

Providing natural ventilation

Answer

Regulating temperature and humidity

Answer

Supplying water

Answer

Removing wastewater

Question 19

What is the purpose of a water closet?

Accepted Answer

To collect and dispose of human waste

Answer

To supply water to fixtures

Answer

To remove rainwater from roofs

Answer

To regulate airflow within a building

Question 20

Which type of pipe material is known for its flexibility and low cost?

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene (PE)

Answer

Copper

Answer

Cast iron

Question 21

Which of the following is a type of water-based heating system?

Accepted Answer

Radiant floor heating

Answer

Passive solar heating

Answer

Evaporative cooling

Answer

Central air conditioning

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a backflow preventer in a plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply

Answer

To increase water pressure

Answer

To regulate the flow of water

Question 23

What is the primary role of a soil stack in a drainage system?

Accepted Answer

To vent sewer gases and prevent clogging

Answer

To regulate water pressure

Answer

To collect rainwater

Answer

To supply water to fixtures

Question 24

What is the main advantage of regular plumbing maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring optimal performance and preventing costly repairs

Answer

Complying with building codes

Answer

Reducing water consumption